M.S. Assistantship – Influence of Volunteer Associations on Lake Water Quality: Virginia Tech.

School: Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website http://sorice.frec.vt.edu/research-opportunities/

Salary: $22,716

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/01/2016

 

Description:

     A new position is open for an M.S. student to collaborate with a research team working to understand how citizen-organized lake associations influence lake management efforts and environmental outcomes. This position is part of a NSF project that models catchment-scale limnological, hydrological, and socio-economic dynamics at multiple sites in the U.S. The successful applicant will conduct qualitative research to understand how the efforts and goals of lake associations have evolved over time to shape lake management and environmental outcomes. Key methods include document analysis and interviews. The applicant will also conduct focus groups and survey research to understand current levels of engagement and community trust in lake associations. The applicant will collaborate with other graduate students and interact with post docs and faculty associated with the project to integrate their research findings into policy scenarios.
     The student will enroll in the M.S. degree program in Virginia Tech’s Department of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation. Funding is for two years; a full graduate research assistantship (with stipend) and tuition waiver will be provided. The start date can be as early as January 2017; otherwise, the start date will be August 2017. We will start reviewing applications December 1st. Interested students are encouraged to send the following as a single pdf document: 

1) A brief cover letter describing their professional background, relevant research experience and interests, career goals, and reasons for seeking an M.S. degree

2) A current curriculum vitae/resume

3) Names and contact information for three references,

4) An unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores directly to:

Michael G. Sorice
Department of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation
310 W. Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-8303 | m-sorice@vt.edu
http://sorice.frec.vt.edu

 

Qualifications:

     Relevant undergraduate areas of specialization include: environmental studies, political science, anthropology, sociology, and communications.